As Chicago progressed in its later years, Peter Cetera began to experience a musical split with the other members of the band, who wanted to explore more rock-oriented sounds. Cetera, on the other hand, found himself drawn to the popular "adult contemporary" genre, which involved softer and more melodic songs. This divergence in musical preferences eventually led to creative tensions within the group and influenced his decision to depart.
Desire for a Solo Career
As Cetera felt less artistically fulfilled within Chicago, he started considering a solo career to explore his unique musical style. He wanted to expand his creative boundaries beyond what he could accomplish within the band and take control of his own artistic direction. This desire to pursue a solo path further pushed him to make the decision to leave Chicago and follow his individual artistic aspirations.
The Success of Solo Singles
The release of Cetera's solo singles, particularly the hit song "Glory of Love" from the movie soundtrack "The Karate Kid Part II" in 1986, amplified the tension between him and the rest of the band. The massive commercial success of his solo endeavors made it clear that Cetera had a viable path as a solo artist, reinforcing his decision to venture out on his own.